Containment rises as crews secure northern perimeter of Egypt and Stone Creek Fires in Harney County
By Mindy McKerrall on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
HARNEY COUNTY-Firefighters in Harney County are making significant strides in their containment efforts on the Egypt and Stone Creek fires, securing critical boundary lines and steadily eliminating interior heat source risks.
According to the latest incident update from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), the fire footprint is currently measured at 4,594 acres with containment reaching 39%.
In a key operational milestone, dozer operators and hand crews have fully connected the fireline along the entire northwest and north perimeters. The connection establishes a continuous barrier designed to prevent the wildfire from expanding farther into surrounding brush and timber.
While perimeter lines are established, hazards within the interior remain a major operational focus. Crews are currently working to eliminate stubborn heat concentrated in heavy fuels. Firefighters are specifically targeting burning snags positioned on steep, unstable slopes, as well as dozer berms that could potentially roll or breach established containment lines
To allow ground crews to safely enter higher-risk areas, specialized tree fellers are cutting down large, burning hazard trees in Egypt Canyon and along the northern perimeter lines. The mitigation work clears dangerous overhead hazards so hand crews can safely advance toward the fire’s edge to cool hotspots and mop up remaining embers.
Fellers are cutting large burning snags… for hand crews to safely enter the area and begin working on removing heat close to the fire’s edge
Fire resources will maintain a continuous presence along the entire perimeter, patrolling day and night to ensure embers do not cross established boundaries or spark spot fires.
Fire managers anticipate that containment percentages will continue to rise steadily over the coming days as crews complete objective milestones, strengthen mop-up zones, and secure the fire edge.
